Resume tips?

[Steve Levin]

I would suggest a resume in the following format:

Name (duh)

A short statement of what you are (nerd? Geek? admin? coder? window washer?) and what you are looking for (challenging position in a small and dynamic company? To contribute as part of a larger team which is a global player? pick your poison)

A bullet list of your core skills

Then work, starting with

"Founder and President, Finalgear.com"
(insert short 2-3 sentences about finalgear.com, how many users, growth, revenue)

Then bullet points of what you do for fg.com

Then any other work you've done, as well as any training, and education

the end

Steve

[hansvonaxion]

Originally Posted by cvrefugee

Viper, I have lots of stuff on how to make an effective resume. If you can wait until later tonight I'll scan the stuff and post it up here.

That's why you're the CVrefugee.

[Viper007Bond]

Originally Posted by Twerp128

Your 24 and you haven't had a real job? I like you Viper, but that'll be a tough one in this job market. Good luck. You have a degree?

There was never a need for a job during the summers in high school or anything and I went directly to college which I promptly managed to fail out of as it was my first time living on my own -- i.e. skipped class, played video games.

[Scooby5]

I only have a couple of basics......

No longer than two pages of CV with one additional as an introduction.
List jobs/achievements from present to past.
If posting it, then a subtle coloured paper..... mine was usually pale yellow.



Oh, and don't bullshit.

[cvrefugee]

Originally Posted by hansvonaxion

That's why you're the CVrefugee.

Here's the PDF, Viper:

http://files.phyrefile.com/file/2008/08/21/JobHelp.pdf

[jensked]

They'll get several resumes. You need something that stands out, something that catches their eye.

Something that says you would be the best choice.

That's all quite obvious, I know, but I just wanted to say it

[pfrocker]

You want resume tip?

Simple, if you're on a console just hit the 'start' button.

If you're on a computer, go to 'continue' and hit 'enter'.

Keep on playing brother!

[Twerp128]

Originally Posted by Viper007Bond

There was never a need for a job during the summers in high school or anything and I went directly to college which I promptly managed to fail out of as it was my first time living on my own -- i.e. skipped class, played video games.

I envy you man! Keep on livin' the dream

[Logik]

my resume is quite interesting.. lemme find a screencap

[drmchsraj]

a) Specifically mention that you are not needing a job, but if they reallty feel ilke it, you'd oblige. this is built on the same logic that 'those who come to a bank applying for a loan have to prove their worth. those who dont need or want one will be approached by the bigwigs themselves'
b) tell them you only want a place to spend the night in, or till the immigration authorities catch you. that way they think you can work nights and that they can blame every mistake on you, but once you get in, reveal that you are really not a
c) Do what pitt did to hopkins in Joe Black. tag along a wealthy businessman to his boardroom.
d) carry with you papers that are signed by MI6 (if you do live IN the uk, change the initials to something catchy like CIA or FG.
on a side note, time to seriously look into do printing outFGInc letterheads and stuff to carry around with you. Tell them FGInc is an International Conglomerate housed in the Caymans...
e) go in with a beard, telll them you are a video pirate adn say "parlaaay. ill tell you the location of innumerous gold chests"

Ill continue when I get my remuneration........

[ambermorn]

i'm going to give you my layout on my resume (which has been critiqued twice by careers counselors, so it can't be too bad?) i'm someone who doesn't do the whole "personal statement" on resumes, i usually save it for a personalized cover letter. but hey, different strokes for different folks right?

name
date of birth
contact details
licences (c'mon viper, if i can get one, you can too! )
education, skills and training (listed from most recent to least recent) - i'd definately also list the various it skills you have, even if some are self taught
employment history (listed from most recent to least recent) N?A for the moment, so leave this out.
other work experience (unpaid stuff, even the most trivial volunteer thing can look good)
availability
referees

yeah, don't go over 2 pages. i'm sure you'll make it look all schmick on the puter. sorry for the sloppy post, but it's 6:30am and i've been up all night, but good luck!!!!

[watto]

^Never put your DoB on your resume. Employers have no reason to know your age unless they ask, it could also lead to the employer inadvertantly discriminating due to age.

Only put on your licence if it's relevant to the job you are applying for. If you want to deliver pizza then yes, put you licence details on but if you're going to be working in retail, then the fact you have a licence is null and void.

My resume clocks in at 3 pages, 2 is too restrictive, especially when applying for corporate jobs. I have a few lines about my responsibilities at work and what I do. Brief education section. Brief skills section according to the skills required by the prospective employer and referees.

So:
Name, address, email, phone.
Education.
Employment: 2 - 3 dot points on my responsibilities and duties
Relevant Skills
Referees.

I've never bothered with the interests/hobbies section for a resume, if the employer wants to know what I do in my own time then they can ask me in an interview or in online application questions.

One last tip, don't use a cover page, just chuck your details up the top of the first page in bold font... Oh, and footnote Name and page #) all your pages, because employers are idiots and might get your resume mixed up with others, they want to be able to put them back together.

[toma_alimosh]

Originally Posted by watto

^Never put your DoB on your resume. Employers have no reason to know your age unless they ask, it could also lead to the employer inadvertantly discriminating due to age.

On the other hand, it may be a good idea as well to put your date of birth on a resume. Some jobs around here are usually given to 20-something year olds, mainly in an effort to recruit them into the company before graduating from college/university and then they can transfer them to where their skills are needed. Forms company loyalty and makes it harder to get out later on, if they know you're a good candidate.

As for me, it may be a good idea all around to put my date of birth. Overall, I may have all the right qualifications, but you wouldn't believe how young I look for my age. Now that I've shaved my head and grew a goatee I look more mature, but as my usual self I'd look like I'm no older than 16 ... even when I'm almost 21. So the interviewer can take a look at my resume and say that I'm good but when I go to the interview and they take a look at me, they may instantly think that my whole resume is a lie. Most of the times they probably don't even bother calling my references. Yes, I have quite a few interviews under my belt, but as of now I'm still working retail and no real chance of getting a decent job.

That may probably be a good idea. I'm going to try it on my next applications.

[Hidden_Hunter]

Originally Posted by toma_alimosh

On the other hand, it may be a good idea as well to put your date of birth on a resume. Some jobs around here are usually given to 20-something year olds, mainly in an effort to recruit them into the company before graduating from college/university and then they can transfer them to where their skills are needed. Forms company loyalty and makes it harder to get out later on, if they know you're a good candidate.

As for me, it may be a good idea all around to put my date of birth. Overall, I may have all the right qualifications, but you wouldn't believe how young I look for my age. Now that I've shaved my head and grew a goatee I look more mature, but as my usual self I'd look like I'm no older than 16 ... even when I'm almost 21. So the interviewer can take a look at my resume and say that I'm good but when I go to the interview and they take a look at me, they may instantly think that my whole resume is a lie. Most of the times they probably don't even bother calling my references. Yes, I have quite a few interviews under my belt, but as of now I'm still working retail and no real chance of getting a decent job.

That may probably be a good idea. I'm going to try it on my next applications.

Jobs for when you finish university/school are different though because they're a graduate position usually, alot of the time they won't even show up in normal job publications.

[ambermorn]

true, watto. the only reason i have my DOB on my resume is because i'm applying for casual work around uni and employers are fussy about juniors ages (either too young for "mature" positions, or getting too expensive to have around anyway). licence may not really be applicable to viper either, but it is to me because i live in the sticks, and most jobs around here ask for people with a car because of lack of public transport.

i do also have a headshot on my resume, but that's for the promo gigs i'm doing currently which ask for photos with all applications. i wouldn't expect anyone going for jobs in other industries to do the same

[toma_alimosh]

Originally Posted by Hidden_Hunter

Jobs for when you finish university/school are different though because they're a graduate position usually, alot of the time they won't even show up in normal job publications.

True. I was just emphasizing the fact that jobs that don't require you to graduate college/university would put an emphasis on age. Even though you can start working here very young, at 16 years old you may only land a job in either fast food, retail, entertainment or things like that, because they seriously won't hire you for anything like call centres, computer repair, bank teller or salesperson positions. For the latter you have to be AT LEAST 20 to get in. Be younger than that and they just ignore you, however skilled you may be. Also, those jobs that 16 year olds get easily are quite out of reach for those more mature, as those employers are looking for inexperienced teens looking to make a quick buck after school.

Jobs for when you finish university/college/license school are a whole different league altogether. As you said, they're not advertised almost at all in job ads, one of the reasons being that there are so many candidates (a whole generation of uni students graduate at once) and so little positions opening up that there are applications put all over the place a long time before the position even becomes available. So just as the company needs a new person to fill up a position, they already have quite a few applications and a few best-suited persons in mind.

Also, to apply to a position that requires a university degree, a college diploma or a certain license, you don't just apply with a simple resume, you apply with a full-fledged portfolio. This would include a copy of your degree and maybe even your school transcript. So, of course, age in that situation won't matter as much as experience, achievements and level of education. And of course you're already 22 or older after going to college/university, so it isn't a problem.

[Cobol74]

Covering letter is almost as important as the CV (Resumé). If applying by email then treat the email as the letter and attach the CV. I agree that the CV should be amended for each and every application to match the requirements of the job. Always analyse the job advertisement and research the organisation before attending interview. Having applied always follow up a few days later by phone to ask if they have received the application.

First impressions are very very important you get the job in the first 15 seconds and then all you can do is loose it at the interview.

At least know what the make/do and where they sell their stuff. Know if they are quoted on the stock market, if using an agency good ones will give you some background information about their client company - always read it and your contact at the agency may be able to give you more stuff verbally.

Serious, professional but positive is the tone you should always adopt when going for an interview and always dress appropriately - take advice from the agency. In the UK office work demands a suite for the interview but it may be different where you are.

You could look at some of the books Great answers to tough interview questions." being one I can recall. Expect to be asked if you have any questions, always have a couple up you sleeve, shows interest.

After the interview I always send in a thankyou letter (oh I always confirm that I will be attending any interview appointment too - only polite).

Good luck.

[Jon]

It doesn't appear anyone's mentioned one of the absolute golden rules of CV's..

..NEVER write anything negative about yourself, not even light hearted. Don't lie by any means, but don't tell them anything that may even slightly compromise your application. If something is relevant to the job then fair enough, but otherwise, no. Say nothing.

[Scooby5]

Originally Posted by toma_alimosh

Also, to apply to a position that requires a university degree, a college diploma or a certain license, you don't just apply with a simple resume, you apply with a full-fledged portfolio. This would include a copy of your degree and maybe even your school transcript. So, of course, age in that situation won't matter as much as experience, achievements and level of education. And of course you're already 22 or older after going to college/university, so it isn't a problem.

I have to disagree a little with you on this one....... normally when hiring somebody requiring certain paperwork i first look for it on the CV to see it being listed then review the actual papers in an interview.

I don't think you should overload the reader with too much paperwork in the initial mail/email.

We're just putting one post out now and in one day had ~50 applicants. The more concise and readable it is the better, i don't want to spend too much time weeding through too much information. If i see too much writing i already think to myself the applicant is trying to hide something within too much, almost overloading the reader.

I do agree with you on the inclusion of DOB though, I also look for it on applications and CVs. It can be considered two ways, one is that experience comes with age OR enthusiasm comes from the younger applicant. I've hired both young and old depending on what i think each will bring to the particular job.....i've even changed my mind about the specific type of person i was looking for based on reviewing multiple applicants. Most people have a certain idea about the type of person they want to fulfil a role, it's up to you to change their mind if you're not that type.


One final thing as some of you start out on the whole career path, please consider what your CV will look like in 5-10yrs time. In some cultures it is great to see a person with a lot of varying experience in a lot of different jobs, in some it is better to see a person hold the same job for 5, 10 or 20yrs. When i review a CV i look for the latter although understand at the same time this limits the inflow on new ideas over time.......its more costly to keep training new staff every couple of years.